A recent study using advanced imaging revealed hidden heart strain in nearly one-third of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with normal heart function on standard tests. The study found that anemia was the most reliable predictor of subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in these patients, with age and diabetes also associated with impaired heart muscle function. The findings highlight the limitations of conventional imaging and the potential value of advanced imaging techniques like speckle tracking echocardiography for early detection and targeted intervention in at-risk RA patients.

Source: Frontiers